In reality no one chooses to become an elite of any occupation or activity. The normal process is trying something out and if you happen to have a talent for it and actually enjoy what the activity is then that is a good starting point. The question should really be, 'How good a runner could I possibly be?'. A chap called Keith Anderson asked this question of himself and went from being an decent runner to an elite. But it was a process for him of great calculation and application. Not a wasted moment. Its very difficult to do that. That's what hard training really is. Getting it right.

Alex, if I've got this right you're 15 years old, and run about 30 miles per week? I don't know when you started on your life plan for running, but I would say that because of your age you will develop differently to adults in a running club. Running lots is an answer, but only part of the answer. You need to train differently to adults as your natural VO2max and HR will be higher. You need to do some harder training to improve the VO2max, and it may be better to concentrate on long sprint or middle distance efforts, backed up by lots of easier running.

I note from other posts that you've made that you believe that you have to make each 5 mile run you do hit a certain, faster pace. This isn't the optimum way to train for you, or anyone. Not at least whilst your pace is where it is now. I think you should try an athletics club, doing middle distance training, as part of a longer term plan to get a great marathon time. Many, certainly not all, elite marathoners are middle distancers who've moved to longer races, or great track racers in their own right. You have age on your side giving you the opportunity to try this out, improving your strength, speed, and pace tolerance, before concentrating solely on longer distances on the road.

If its any consolation, I know of someone who was pretty much the most untalented runner ever. However, they were very interested in being a better runner. By the time they were 30 years old they had run 57 mins for 10 miles and 2:52 for a marathon. Even I was beaten by a minute a mile by other kids at school, and I ended up running 73 mins for 13 miles. So what could they have done?

Alex you don't just decide to become an elite runner. The first step is determine if it's at all possible. ie have you chosen the right parents. If you are lucky enough to have the right genes, then I guess it's just hard work and dedication. Find a running coach to guide you in the right direction.

Alex- you've started a lot of threads over the last 3 months asking much the same thing.

It's good that you've followed advice and joined a club, now you need to let the coaches at the club see what you can do, and guide you as to whether your ambitions are achievable, and how to go about them. It's going to need a lot of patience , I expect.

Agree with Tricialitt - you've created a lot of threads asking the same questions. In three months you'll not see the big difference. Why not talk to your coaches at the club and see what they recommend. If you're at a good club - they'll be able to help steer you and manage your expectations accordingly.

Train slow easy miles for 12 weeks build Upto 70 miles per week with your weekly long run build this up to two hrs then do lactate threshold training twice a week after your 12 week build up only for six weeks max then back to your 12 week base building again this will get you in good shape you can do some races duing build up phase but I would do no more than 2 races a week as to avoid injury

Possibly a sensible looking plan for an experienced runner looking to run those sorts of times. Not so sensible advice to give a 15 year old with long term ambitions to become an elite marathon runner.

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